“The staff who have argued to replace the clunkers have been shouted down by the 'We think big' Treasurer and his cronies, including the Sultana of Spin who heads up this portfolio.”

Mr Tilley cited a letter from Federal Transport Minister Michael McCormack in response to North East Labor MP Jaclyn Symes which stated the track upgrade had “completion scheduled to occur in 2020-21”.

“On that note, make a commitment, not a promise, of some substantial meaning for those passenger rail travellers into the future,” Mr Tilley urged Labor.

“Mr Tilley had many opportunities to deliver a much needed rail upgrade for his local community and did nothing – it was only Labor who had the fight and secured the funding to give North East line passengers a more reliable service,” Ms Allan said.